The Cheetah Coalition #16
Weekly Updates from the Atkinson Office — 12/13/24
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EARLY RELEASE AND BUDDIES NEXT WEDNESDAY AT 11:50 A.M.
Don't forget we have early release next Wednesday, December 18th. Students get out of school at 11:50 a.m. Students will have buddy time on Wednesday so don't miss it!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
URBAN GLEANERS
Urban Gleaners is a Portland-based nonprofit that collects fresh food before it can go to waste, and gets it to people who need it. They have 21 public Free Food Markets. All are welcome, and food is always free. Markets are set up “shopping style” where you can choose which grocery items you’d like. There are no income or personal information requirements to participate (unless a site is affiliated with Oregon Food Bank). Bring your own bags and arrive 10-15 minutes early if possible. Find a Free Food Market HERE.
STUDENT STORE — DONATIONS NEEDED!
Dear Atkinson families,
Last year, our school implemented a School Student Store as a PBIS reward. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports. It’s an evidence-based framework that schools use to improve student behavior and school culture. A key aspect of PBIS is to to focus more on positive behaviors and less on negative behaviors. In alignment with PBIS, our school gives out Cheetah Paws to recognize students when they are being safe, responsible, and respectful. Students then get to “spend” their Cheetah Paws at the Store. The Store has been very successful and we see that students are greatly motivated by it.
SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS SURVEY DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DEC 16
PPS is extending the Successful Schools Survey window to December 16. If you haven't done so yet, please complete the Successful Schools Survey online using this link: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/portlandor/fall24family. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at PPS, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.
WINTER TAG REFERRALS
The Family and Teacher TAG referral window is now open and will remain open until January 10, 2025. The goal of this second referral round is to identify students who may not have been referred during the Fall data-driven referral window. This includes but is not limited to, those students in K-2 who do not participate in MAP and OSAS testing, as well as those in 3-5 for whom computer-based assessments present a roadblock in demonstrating their academic level and need. Families of 2nd grade students who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on the screening assessment for intellectual giftedness (called NNAT) will be notified in January 2025 that their student will be evaluated for TAG identification based on that assessment.
The referral process this year has changed from previous years. Families interested in referring their student for TAG should contact their classroom teacher during this window to discuss their student’s needs. Teachers submitting a referral will complete a reflection about their experience with the student in the classroom and consider several things, including:
How quickly does this student master new concepts and skills?
Is the student providing insights and thinking about topics in a way that is different from most students?
In what ways (if any) does the teacher already need to differentiate for this student to support their success?
Once this reflection is completed, additional work samples and assessment data will be collected before the Atkinson TAG team meets to make a final decision. Once a decision is reached, parents will be informed via email, prior to April 24, 2025.
The TAG website has more information on evaluation and identification, TAG services, and opportunities for parents to provide input and feedback through the TAG Advisory Council (TAGAC).
IMPORTANT DATES:
District Assessment Driven Evaluation & Identification Cycle
- Sept 30 - Jan 16 | Evaluation Process
- Jan 17 | Family Notification
Student, Family & Teacher Evaluation & Identification Cycle
- Dec 9 - Jan 10 | Referral Window
- Feb 3 - April 24 | Evaluation Process
- April 25 | Family Notification
STUDENT HEALTH CENTERS - WINTER BREAK 2024
Need healthcare while schools are closed for Winter Break? The Parkrose Student Health Center will be providing primary and mental health care services from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm Monday through Friday Dec. 23 through Jan. 3 (except closed on Christmas Day - Wednesday Dec. 25, and on New Year's Day -Wednesday Jan. 1). We see all youth ages 5-18 who live or go to school in Multnomah County. You don't have to attend Parkrose High School to receive services. Call 503-988-3392 to schedule an appointment. All other Student Health Centers will be closed.
TITLE VI INDIAN EDUCATION DECEMBER TALKING CIRCLE
Please see the latest information from the Title VI Indian Education Program in the December Talking Circle.
PTA NEWSLETTER
Check out the latest PTA newsletter HERE.
UPCOMING DATES TO KNOW
- Wednesday, December 18 — Early Release at 11:50 a.m.
- December 21 — January 5 — Winter Break, NO SCHOOL
- Monday, January 6 — School resumes
- Thursday, January 9 — PTA Meeting in the cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.